WASHINGTON DC: United States President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran, threatening to destroy the country’s bridges and power plants if Tehran does not agree to a ceasefire before Tuesday evening.
Speaking during a news conference at the White House on Monday, the American leader warned that Iran’s civilian infrastructure could face devastating attacks unless a deal is reached soon to end the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said the United States was seeking an agreement that would restore unrestricted oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
“We have to have a deal that’s acceptable to me, Trump told reporters. And part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything else.
The strait, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles a significant portion of global oil exports. Disruptions in the waterway since the outbreak of hostilities have triggered fears of rising global fuel prices.
Trump revealed that he had set a deadline of 8 p.m. Tuesday (Washington time) for Iran to agree to a ceasefire, though he offered limited details about ongoing negotiations.
He said discussions were being handled by Vice President JD Vance, but declined to elaborate on the potential terms of the deal.
While emphasizing that he preferred a diplomatic resolution, Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in severe military action.
Every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again, he said.
Despite the threat, the president added that the United States could eventually assist in rebuilding Iran if a settlement is achieved.
“We don’t want that to happen, he said, referring to the destruction. We may even get involved with helping them rebuild their nation.
During the news conference, Trump dismissed concerns that attacking civilian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants could violate international humanitarian law.
International law generally prohibits deliberate attacks on civilian objects during armed conflict.
However, Trump brushed off the concerns when questioned by reporters.
I hope I don’t have to do it, he said, before criticizing previous U.S. administrations for what he described as weakness toward Iran.
Trump also floated a controversial idea regarding the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that the United States could take control of the strategic waterway and impose tolls on ships passing through it.
We have a concept where we’ll charge tolls, he said, though he did not explain how the United States could control the international shipping route.
The remark raised fresh questions about Washington’s long-term strategy in the conflict, particularly as global oil markets remain volatile.
The news conference was partly called to highlight a dramatic U.S. military rescue operation involving an American pilot.
According to Trump, an U.S. Air Force colonel whose fighter jet was shot down during combat in Iran was successfully rescued in a daring mission.
Trump described the operation in cinematic terms, praising the pilots who carried out the extraction.
You would call it central casting if you were doing a movie,” he said while recounting the mission.
He asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, to provide more operational details, including how many personnel participated.
Caine declined to disclose the information, saying he preferred to keep the details classified.
Trump later suggested that hundreds of personnel may have been involved
Tensions rose during the briefing when Trump accused a staff member of leaking information about the downed airman to the media.
The president went further by threatening legal action against a reporter he claimed had published the leaked information.
We’re going to find out, Trump said. “The person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say.
Trump has previously argued that journalists who publish classified leaks should face legal consequences.
In another controversial remark, Trump suggested that the United States could seize Iranian oil if it emerges victorious in the conflict.
“To the victor belong the spoils, he said, invoking the historic practice where victorious nations claimed resources from defeated states.
Analysts say such statements highlight the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s long-term strategy as the conflict continues to escalate.
The war has already heightened global tensions, disrupted oil markets, and raised fears of a wider regional confrontation in the Middle East.
